Beach reports strong July tourism numbers
September 8, 2009

According to data released recently by the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), families continued to travel in record numbers to Alabama’s Beaches, which resulted in several positive summer figures. Condominium occupancy reached 79.5 percent for the month of July 2009, which was a 3 percent increase over the previous comparative period of July 2008 (76.3 percent). “This figure is staggering considering that we have welcomed aboard 713 additional condominium units since July 2008, and we - along with all area businesses – have worked tirelessly to fill these units,” Herb Malone, CVB president/CEO. “To have expanded our inventory and produced a 3 percent gain in this economy, it an outstanding feat.”

The positive news comes as these additional filled units resulted in more tax income for one coastal city. The City of Orange Beach set two all-time monthly records by collecting the highest city lodging and retail tax revenue figures in the city’s 25 year history. “The City of Orange Beach can confirm that a record number of tourists set foot in the sand during July as our top two tax generators, sales and lodgings reached a record peak,” said Ken Grimes, city administrator of the City of Orange Beach. “We maintained our high level of service to our residents and visitors while working on a bare bones budget, which is still off pace during some tough economic times.” In July 2009, the city processed $1.4 million in lodging rental tax, which is up 5.2 percent over the previous comparative period of July 2008. Also, the city collected $1.01 million in July 2009 retail sales tax, which is a 13.5 percent increase over July 2008. (Note: July 2009 data for the City of Gulf Shores has not yet been reported).

“These outstanding numbers show that the travel experts were correct in their summer forecasts,” said Malone. “While some media reports constantly focused on the economic situation and attempted to raise concerns that people would not travel, this data shows what we already knew. Vacations are the special moments in life where families can leave the stresses and strains of everyday life behind and reconnect with their loved ones. We are thankful that our guests choose to return each year to our 32 miles of relaxing sugar white sand.” Recording all-time high numbers did not happen by accident. “First of all, we need to thank our loyal families who chose to reconnect with their loved ones in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area,” Malone said. “Our extensive print and internet marketing campaign resulted in 15,000 July inquiries to our hospitality and information department, which is an increase of 10,000 over last July.” Also, the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (which is a partnership between the local chamber, CVB and two island cities) hosted several USSSA baseball and softball events during July, including two World Series tournaments that attracted more than 10,000 additional people to the island.

Adding to those contributing factors is the $1.95 million economic impact generated by the Student Life group that held its summer camp for more than 12,000 youth at The Wharf. The sales department at the CVB worked closely with The Wharf and area lodging businesses to grow this camp to its current level. “This success is a direct result of a team effort from the city governments, CVB, local chamber and all business sectors, such as lodging, restaurants, retail, attractions, fishing and golf,” Malone added. “With a strong partnership from all parties, we are looking forward to welcoming many more guests to our area during the fall and winter seasons.” www.gulfshores.com

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2009
 Later school start
  a boost to Alabama economy
 10 Great New Getaways
  in Alabama
 Helen Keller statute
 Golfing on the Gulf Coast
 Fall is perfect time for
  an Alabama adventure
 Beach reports strong
  July tourism numbers
 Lucy Buffett to emcee
  tourism awards banquet
 Gulf State Park announces
  Geocaching activities
 New Pier at
  Gulf State Park opens
 Grand opening
  and ribbon cutting of the new
  Gulf State Park Pier
 Lucy Buffett
  makes appearance
  on the “TODAY” show
 Gulf State Park pier
  opens July 23
 Accuweather.com predicts
  drop in Gulf hurricanes
  for 2009
 Alabama deep sea fishing
  has one of the 10 greatest
  fishing tournaments
 Gulfront condo reservations
 Alabama Gulf Coast trail
  named National Recreation
  Trail for 2009
 Lee Sentell interviewed on
  tourism growth in Alabama
 Tips for planning
  your next beach getaway
 Vacation rentals vs. hotels:
  Which choice provides
  the best vacation experience?
 Alabama beaches
  expecting strong summer
 Five things to do on vacation
  in Orange Beach, Alabama
 Alabama's new
  Gulf State Park Pier
 Governor Riley signs
  Gulf State Park Hotel Bill
 Gulf State Park Resort
  alive in the legislature
 Comparison in tourism growth
 Travel Insurance
  available for Swine Flu
 Travel Guard extends free
  assistance responding
  to Myrtle Beach fire
 Alabama Tourism
  up 3 percent in 2008
 LuLu’s recognized
  for Green Initiatives
 Price Guarantee available
 Grammy award Sugarland
  coming to Orange Beach, Al
 Orange Beach & Gulf Shores
  spring condo rentals
 Pleasure Island
  vacation rentals
 Blue Angels air shows
 A perfect paradise retreat
 Alabama Governor
  signs film bill
 Gulf Shores Pier
  expected to open in May
 Feds: Gulf Shores
  owes from Hurricane Ivan
 Miss Gulf Shores High School
 Spring Break condo rentals
  Orange Beach & Gulf Shores
 The Wall Street Journal:
  Touring the Civil Rights Trail
 Snowbird rentals
  beach front condos available

2008
 Healthy vacation recipes
 Alabama Gulf Coast vacations
 Autumn on the
  Alabama Gulf Coast
 National Shrimp Festival
 Hurricane Gustav update
 Hurricane Gustav
 Gulf Shores Condos
 Tourism carries its weight
 Find cheap airfares online
 Construction begins
  on Gulf State Park pier
 Publix Super Market
  coming to Orange Beach
 Things to look for in
  Orange Beach condo deals
 Pictures of Gulf Shores
 Gulf Shores
  computer repair
 Perdido Key
  attractions for everyone
 Perdido Key rentals
 Orange Beach hotels
 Romance in Orange Beach
 Gulf Shores condos
 Sandy Key Perdido:
  attractions off the sand
 I'm in the news
 Perdido Key
  for the whole family